Friday, March 2, 2018
Hey Fletch … I just began as the pastor of a rural midwestern church with 150 in worship. We do not have a tax exempt status. We pay tax on what we purchase, but we haven’t paid tax on our income. Maybe that’s not related to being 501(c)3, but I don’t know. I’ve not had to look into this before. Many thanks.
DRF—Congratulations on your new role. That is exciting! Don’t get to worried too fast. You may be fine. Here are selections from the IRS in Tax Guide for Churches & Religious Organizations: “Churches that meet the requirements of IRC Section 501(c)(3) are automatically considered tax exempt and are not required to obtain recognition of tax-exempt status. Many churches seek recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS because this recognition assures contributors that the church is recognized as exempt.”
The IRS explains the requirements: “To qualify for tax-exempt status, the organization must: be organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes; net earnings may not inure to the benefit of any private individual; no substantial part of its activity may be attempting to influence legislation; the organization may not intervene in political campaigns; and the purposes and activities may not be illegal or violate fundamental public policy.”
I’m not a CPA or Attorney—perhaps you have one in your congregation. Get professional advice to confirm your church’s position.
